Kestrels in thrilling win

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The Melbourne Kestrels narrowly defeated interstate rivals the Canberra Darters 56-55 last night in a thrilling final round of the national league.

The Kestrels, fourth on the ladder, last met the sixth-placed Darters in round three, when they also won by just one goal.

They will now front reigning premier the Phoenix in the national league semi-final next Friday at the State Netball Hockey Centre.

In an emphatic first-quarter performance, the Kestrels blew open the game with with goal attack Cynna Neelew making all her 14 attempts in the first term.

The Darters hit back, but the Kestrels still went into the first break with a nine-goal lead, 20-11.

Thanks to some great work by Darters goal attack Susan Pratley (who scored 11 goals from as many attempts), and wing attack Pia McGeoch, the Kestrel's defence was broken and the Darters were able to leave the second term trailing by just four goals.

Kestrel coach Jane Searle reacted with a dramatic reshuffle, moving every player on the team.

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Goal shooter Andrea Booth swapped with Neele into goal attack, and Melanie Kitchin moved off the bench into centre.

But with four minutes to go in third term, the Darters met the Kestrels at 40-40. The Kestrels were missing easy shots and went into the fourth term just one goal ahead, 43-42.

In a nail-biting end, the two teams fought hard to take the lead. It was with just 20 seconds left in the match that Neale sealed victory for the Kestrels.

In Newcastle last night, Phoenix, who are third on the ladder, beat the Hunter Jaegers 51-43.